Staten Island: Agricultural histories and a recreational future

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You probably don’t associate Staten Island with images of pastoral farmland. That could change with one visit to the Museum of the City of New York. Their latest exhibit, From Farm to City: Staten Island, 1661–2012, traces the history of NYC’s most maligned borough through centuries of development. Featuring historical images as well as panoramic color photographs by Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao, images include fishing ports, industry, natural wetlands, and the development of suburbs and vibrant urban spaces alike.

You can also witness Staten Island development in action at a preview of Freshkills Park, a transformation of a 2,200-acre landfill into recreation space on Staten Island’s west shore. The park’s third annual preview on Sunday, September 23 from 11 am – 4 pm will feature activities, including kite making, walking tours, food trucks, and local art vendors.